Christmas horse racing ideas together with King George VI Chase and Welsh Nationwide finest bets

As usual, there will be a bumper selection of racing across the Christmas period.

Mirror Sport has taken a look at some of the best action coming up, and has selected these horses as our best picks over the festive period.

CLAN DES OBEAUX

Where: Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, Boxing Day

Clan Des Obeaux (Image: 2019 Getty Images)

Remember when all the pre-race talk for the Gold Cup was Kauto Star v Denman and Imperial Commander spoilt the party? Expect the same during Boxing Day’s festive feast of action.

Cyrname and Lostintranslation are fancied to fight out this clash, but don’t forget about last year’s winner.

This is his big day and he will be primed to the absolute minute.

Turning for home in this 12 months ago, he came back on the bridle to challenge the leader Thistlecrack.

They went a good pace the whole way, but Paul Nicholls’ raider was still able to get there with ease.

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It is likely to be a similar scenario this time around, with the trainer’s talented Cyrname, Britain’s highest-rated chaser, expected to be at the head of affairs.

This is Kempton though, not Ascot, where he has become an all-conquering National Hunt hero.

Lostintranslation looks a Gold Cup winner in waiting, but the selection can have too much toe this time.

TRUCKERS LODGE

Where: Coral Welsh National, December 27

(Image: 2019 Getty Images)

Another big race can go the way of the Ditcheat maestro, crowned 11-time champion trainer at the end of last season.

This seven-year-old is a typically gritty staying chaser, perfect for the Chepstow marathon, at a course he loves.

A strong galloper, Truckers Lodge has been aimed at this race for some time, warming up for it at the track almost two months ago.

If they go a good pace, which they often do despite the lengthy distance, this young horse will enjoy it with a light weight on his back.

If successful, Nicholls would be winning the race for the third time.

CHACUN POUR SOI

Where: Paddy’s Rewards Club ‘Loyalty’s Dead, Live For Rewards’ Chase, December 27

(Image: 2019 Getty Images)

Forget the turkey, the tastiest dish over Christmas could be served up at Leopardstown.

The favourite to wrest the two mile title from Altior, should he stick to the minimum distance, Chacun Pour Soi has impressed on two starts for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci, associated with many good’uns over the years like Annie Power, Douvan and Faugheen.

What was most impressive was how he defeated the battle-hardened Festival hero Defi Du Seuil with authority at Punchestown- and we all know how solid the JLT form is now.

Make sure to snap up the 4/1 on offer for the Champion Chase before post-time, as he will become the new clear market leader if cruising in here.

KLASSICAL DREAM

Where: Leopardstown December Hurdle, December 29

(Image: 2019 Getty Images)

Ruby Walsh’s 59th and final Festival winner bids to get back on track and cement his claims for the 2020 Champion Hurdle.

Unusually the race is wide open at this stage, following Buveur D’Air’s freak injury and the loss of 2019 winner Espoir D’Allen.

Course form is crucial for March and this up and coming performer has proved his worth around Prestbury Park’s undulations.

Klassical Dream seemed to be outdone by a sprint finish last time, but is much better than that.

The picture for the first championship for the big meeting can become much clearer after this.

THE HOLLOW GINGE

Where: Betway Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase, December 21

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ chaser can come good on his first start in a race of this nature.

The trainer has had some excellent staying chasers over the years, including Grand National heroes Earth Summit and Bindaree.

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The fellow is much less further along in his progression, but this type of contest should bring out two of his best qualities- stamina and toughness.

He seems best attacking from off the pace, so his early move last time would not have played to his strengths.

He can soldier on for owners The Ginge Army, who have enjoyed many good days in association with the Twiston-Davies team.